Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues Recipe

Diced sliced ham: Pre-cooked ham that has been cut into small cubes, providing a savory and slightly salty flavor.

Ketchup: A sweet and tangy tomato-based condiment that forms the base of the barbecue sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: A fermented liquid condiment that adds a complex umami flavor to the sauce.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses to balance the tanginess of the ketchup.

Yellow mustard: Provides a mild tang and slight spiciness to the sauce.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.

Hamburger buns: Soft bread rolls that serve as the perfect vessel for the ham barbecue.

To enhance the flavor of your ham barbecues, consider caramelizing the brown sugar before adding the ketchup and other ingredients. This will add a deeper, richer sweetness to the sauce. Additionally, to ensure the ham absorbs the sauce thoroughly, let it marinate in the mixture for a few hours before cooking. This will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.

• diced sliced ham - Substitute with diced turkey: Turkey provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for those who prefer poultry.

• diced sliced ham - Substitute with diced tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based alternative that absorbs flavors well, making it a good choice for vegetarians.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste and vinegar: Mixing tomato paste with a bit of vinegar can mimic the tangy and sweet flavor of ketchup.

• ketchup - Substitute with barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce can add a smoky and sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and lemon juice: This combination can replicate the umami and tangy notes of Worcestershire sauce.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar provides a rich, complex flavor that can stand in for Worcestershire sauce.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note, making it a good alternative to brown sugar.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique sweetness and depth of flavor, suitable for replacing brown sugar.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a slightly more complex flavor but can still provide the necessary tang.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard adds texture and a robust flavor, making it a good substitute.

• onion powder - Substitute with fresh minced onion: Fresh minced onion can provide a more intense and fresh onion flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder offers a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the dish.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns provide more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps offer a low-carb alternative while adding a fresh, crisp texture.

• Allow the ham barbecue mixture to cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the sauce watery.

• Transfer the cooled ham barbecue into an airtight container. Make sure to leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion if freezing.

• If you plan to consume the ham barbecue within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The ham barbecue can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing its flavor and texture.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight if it was frozen.

• Reheat the ham barbecue in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the ham barbecue in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power, stirring every minute until it is hot.

• If you have leftover hamburger buns, store them in a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the buns in a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.

• For a quick and easy method, use the microwave. Place the ham barbecue in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer a more traditional approach, reheat on the stovetop. Add the ham barbecue to a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce is bubbly and the ham is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• For a hands-off method, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ham barbecue in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the ham barbecue by placing it in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even heating.
• For a smoky flavor, use the grill. Wrap the ham barbecue in foil and place it on the grill over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the ham is hot and the sauce is bubbling.

• Large skillet: A broad, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ham and sauce mixture evenly over medium heat.

• Spatula: A utensil used to stir and mix the ingredients in the skillet, ensuring the ham is well coated with the sauce.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to accurately measure the ketchup and other liquid ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure small quantities of ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and onion powder.

• Cutting board: A surface used for dicing the sliced ham into small pieces.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife used for dicing the ham efficiently and safely.

• Hamburger buns: The bread used to serve the ham barbecue, providing a base and top for the sandwich.

• Serving spoon: A utensil used to scoop the ham barbecue mixture onto the hamburger buns.

Pre-dice the ham: Buy pre-diced ham to save time on preparation.

Use a single pan: Combine all ingredients in one skillet to minimize cleanup.

Measure ahead: Pre-measure ketchup, worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and onion powder before starting to cook.

Simmer with a lid: Cover the skillet while cooking to speed up the heating process.

Toast buns simultaneously: Toast hamburger buns in the oven while the ham barbecue cooks.